PASIG CITY, Philippines—The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) will convene a Roundtable Discussion (RTD) on Micro-Credentials in Southeast Asia: Lessons for the Philippines on 30 October 2025. The event will be held at Joy~Nostalg Hotel & Suites, Ortigas Center in Pasig City and online via Zoom. This hybrid event will gather regional and national experts from higher education and government to share insights on advancing micro-credentials as tools for lifelong learning, workforce readiness, and education transformation.
SEARCA initiated the RTD as part of its Regional Scoping Study on Micro-Credentials in Southeast Asia with support from the Philippine Department of Education (DepEd). The study examines national policies, institutional practices, and quality assurance mechanisms in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Singapore.
The session on Regional Perspectives on Micro-Credentials will bring together experts and policymakers to present their countries' frameworks and best practices. Speakers include representatives from the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), Thailand Professional Qualification Institute (TPQI), Wawasan Open University in Malaysia, and Kasetsart University in Thailand. The UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok, SEAMEO Regional Language Centre (RELC) in Singapore, and SEAMEO Regional Open Learning Centre (SEAMOLEC) in Indonesia will share regional perspectives and initiatives on micro-credentials and lifelong learning.
In the afternoon, the panel on Philippine Perspectives and Emerging Directions on Micro-Credentials will comprise representatives from national government agencies and higher education institutions. These include the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Education (DepEd), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Participating academic institutions include the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), Mapúa University, and Batangas State University. UNILAB will also take part in the discussion to provide industry perspectives on the role of lifelong learning in strengthening workforce competencies and employer recognition of skills.
The roundtable demonstrates SEARCA's commitment to advancing the SEAMEO Priority Areas on harmonizing higher education systems and adopting 21st-century curriculum innovations. Through the RTD, the Center aims to deepen discussion on lifelong learning, enhance workforce competitiveness, and promote regional cooperation in Southeast Asia.